COMPAREF: compare two files

Description

Compares any two files of like organization, displaying differences on the workstation.

Categories

Compare & Search

Related files

COMPAREF: Object program and BASIC source.

User Instructions

At the first screen, enter the names and locations of the files to be compared and press (RETURN). A screen showing file characteristics (dates, file type, owner ID, record size, number of records, etc.) will appear; press (RETURN) to continue.

Select the columns to be compared and the comparison option ('COMPARE TILL MISMATCH' (Y/N)). If the comparison option is 'Y', the files will be processed until a mismatch occurs; otherwise, the files will be displayed six records at a time.

The comparison screen shows six records of each file, highlighting any records that are different. You may reselect the columns to be compared or the comparison option, advance records in either file (PF(02) or PF(03)), move the display right or left (PF(04)), change to hexadecimal or character display (PF(06)), or exit the program (PF(16)).

Programmer Instructions

No GETPARMs; must be run interactively.

BASIC source is available.

Example of use

Can be used to compare any similar files. Works best on files with short record lengths and few differences, such as source files with minor differences. Split-screen display is very helpful in these instances, since differences are clearly visible.

The comparison range should be set to the best choice for the files to be compared. For example, to compare COBOL source files you might set the comparison range to '07' through '72' and the display starting position to '07', since this would show the source code and exclude line numbers and modification codes.

Comments

A good utility, but marred by a lack of GETPARM control.